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van Maaren J, Alves LF, van Wely M, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Favorable culture conditions for spermatogonial propagation in human and non-human primate primary testicular cell cultures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1330830. [PMID: 38259514 PMCID: PMC10800969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1330830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autologous transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) isolated from cryopreserved testicular biopsies obtained before oncological treatment could restore fertility in male childhood cancer survivors. There is a clear necessity for in vitro propagation of the limited SSCs from the testicular biopsy prior to transplantation due to limited numbers of spermatogonia in a cryopreserved testicular biopsy. Still, there is no consensus regarding their optimal culture method. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting primary testicular cell cultures of human and non-human primate origin through use of Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science core collection databases. Of 760 records, we included 42 articles for qualitative and quantitative analysis. To quantify in vitro spermatogonial propagation, spermatogonial colony doubling time (CDT) was calculated, which measures the increase in the number of spermatogonial colonies over time. A generalized linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the statistical effect of various culture conditions on CDT. Results: Our analysis indicates decreased CDTs, indicating faster spermatogonial propagation in cultures with a low culture temperature (32°C); with use of non-cellular matrices; use of StemPro-34 medium instead of DMEM; use of Knockout Serum Replacement; and when omitting additional growth factors in the culture medium. Discussion: The use of various methods and markers to detect the presence of spermatogonia within the reported cultures could result in detection bias, thereby potentially influencing comparability between studies. However, through use of CDT in the quantitative analysis this bias was reduced. Our results provide insight into critical culture conditions to further optimize human spermatogonial propagation in vitro, and effectively propagate and utilize these cells in a future fertility restoration therapy and restore hope of biological fatherhood for childhood cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Luis F. Alves
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L. Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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2
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Sanou I, van Maaren J, Eliveld J, Lei Q, Meißner A, de Melker AA, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Taking Preclinical Research to the Next Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:850219. [PMID: 35444616 PMCID: PMC9013905 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.850219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation via biobanking of testicular tissue retrieved from testicular biopsies is now generally recommended for boys who need to undergo gonadotoxic treatment prior to the onset of puberty, as a source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs have the potential of forming spermatids and may be used for therapeutic fertility approaches later in life. Although in the past 30 years many milestones have been reached to work towards SSC-based fertility restoration therapies, including transplantation of SSCs, grafting of testicular tissue and various in vitro and ex vivo spermatogenesis approaches, unfortunately, all these fertility therapies are still in a preclinical phase and not yet available for patients who have become infertile because of their treatment during childhood. Therefore, it is now time to take the preclinical research towards SSC-based therapy to the next level to resolve major issues that impede clinical implementation. This review gives an outline of the state of the art of the effectiveness and safety of fertility preservation and SSC-based therapies and addresses the hurdles that need to be taken for optimal progression towards actual clinical implementation of safe and effective SSC-based fertility treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Sanou
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Meißner
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke A de Melker
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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3
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Eugeni E, Arato I, Del Sordo R, Sidoni A, Garolla A, Ferlin A, Calafiore R, Brancorsini S, Mancuso F, Luca G. Fertility Preservation and Restoration Options for Pre-Pubertal Male Cancer Patients: Current Approaches. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:877537. [PMID: 35784573 PMCID: PMC9244702 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.877537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation for prepubertal male patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies, potentially depleting spermatogonial cells, is an expanding necessity, yet most of the feasible options are still in the experimental phase. We present our experience and a summary of current and novel possibilities regarding the different strategies to protect or restore fertility in young male patients, before proceeding with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for malignances or other diseases. Adult oncological patients should always be counselled to cryopreserve the semen before starting treatment, however this approach is not suitable for prepubertal boys, who aren't capable to produce sperm yet. Fortunately, since the survival rate of pediatric cancer patients has skyrocketed in the last decade and it's over 84%, safeguarding their future fertility is becoming a major concern for reproductive medicine. Surgical and medical approaches to personalize treatment or protect the gonads could be a valid first step to take. Testicular tissue autologous grafting or xenografting, and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation, are the main experimental options available, but spermatogenesis in vitro is becoming an intriguing alternative. All of these methods feature both strong and weak prospects. There is also relevant controversy regarding the type of testicular material to preserve and the cryopreservation methods. Since transplanted cells are bound to survive based on SSCs number, many ways to enrich their population in cultures have been proposed, as well as different sites of injection inside the testis. Testicular tissue graft has been experimented on mice, rabbits, rhesus macaques and porcine, allowing the birth of live offspring after performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), however it has never been performed on human males yet. In vitro spermatogenesis remains a mirage, although many steps in the right direction have been performed. The manufacturing of 3D scaffolds and artificial spermatogenetic niche, providing support to stem cells in cultures, seems like the best way to further advance in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Eugeni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Terni, Terni, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Eugeni,
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rachele Del Sordo
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Sidoni
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Section of Pathology (Terni), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Terni, Terni, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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4
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Xie X, Tichopád T, Kislik G, Langerová L, Abaffy P, Šindelka R, Franěk R, Fučíková M, Steinbach C, Shah MA, Šauman I, Chen F, Pšenička M. Isolation and Characterization of Highly Pure Type A Spermatogonia From Sterlet ( Acipenser ruthenus) Using Flow-Cytometric Cell Sorting. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:772625. [PMID: 34957105 PMCID: PMC8708567 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.772625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sturgeons are among the most ancient linages of actinopterygians. At present, many sturgeon species are critically endangered. Surrogate production could be used as an affordable and a time-efficient method for endangered sturgeons. Our study established a method for identifying and isolating type A spermatogonia from different developmental stages of testes using flow cytometric cell sorting (FCM). Flow cytometric analysis of a whole testicular cell suspension showed several well-distinguished cell populations formed according to different values of light scatter parameters. FCM of these different cell populations was performed directly on glass slides for further immunocytochemistry to identify germ cells. Results showed that the cell population in gate P1 on a flow cytometry plot (with high forward scatter and high side scatter parameter values) contains the highest amount of type A spermatogonia. The sorted cell populations were characterized by expression profiles of 10 germ cell specific genes. The result confirmed that setting up for the P1 gate could precisely sort type A spermatogonia in all tested testicular developmental stages. The P2 gate, which was with lower forward scatter and side scatter values mostly, contained type B spermatogonia at a later maturing stage. Moreover, expressions of plzf, dnd, boule, and kitr were significantly higher in type A spermatogonia than in later developed germ cells. In addition, plzf was firstly found as a reliable marker to identify type A spermatogonia, which filled the gap of identification of spermatogonial stem cells in sterlet. It is expected to increase the efficiency of germ stem cell culture and transplantation with plzf identification. Our study thus first addressed a phenotypic characterization of a pure type A spermatogonia population in sterlet. FCM strategy can improve the production of sturgeons with surrogate broodstock and further the analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sturgeon germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Tichopád
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Galina Kislik
- Imaging Methods Core Facility at BIOCEV, Operated by Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lucie Langerová
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Abaffy
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Radek Šindelka
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Roman Franěk
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Michaela Fučíková
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Christoph Steinbach
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Mujahid Ali Shah
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Ivo Šauman
- Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czechia.,University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, C_DAT, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Pšenička
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
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5
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Doungkamchan C, Orwig KE. Recent advances: fertility preservation and fertility restoration options for males and females. Fac Rev 2021; 10:55. [PMID: 34195694 PMCID: PMC8204761 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation is the process of saving gametes, embryos, gonadal tissues and/or gonadal cells for individuals who are at risk of infertility due to disease, medical treatments, age, genetics, or other circumstances. Adult patients have the options to preserve eggs, sperm, or embryos that can be used in the future to produce biologically related offspring with assisted reproductive technologies. These options are not available to all adults or to children who are not yet producing mature eggs or sperm. Gonadal cells/tissues have been frozen for several thousands of those patients worldwide with anticipation that new reproductive technologies will be available in the future. Therefore, the fertility preservation medical and research communities are obligated to responsibly develop next-generation reproductive technologies and translate them into clinical practice. We briefly describe standard options to preserve and restore fertility, but the emphasis of this review is on experimental options, including an assessment of readiness for translation to the human fertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatchanan Doungkamchan
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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6
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Bandekar M, Maurya DK, Sharma D, Sandur SK. Preclinical Studies and Clinical Prospects of Wharton's Jelly-Derived MSC for Treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2021; 7:85-94. [PMID: 33936933 PMCID: PMC8080090 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-021-00188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have received widespread attention from researchers owing to the remarkable benefits offered by these cells over other stem cells. The primitive nature of WJ-MSCs, ease of isolation, differentiation ability, and immuno-modulatory nature make these cells superior to bone marrow MSCs and ideal to treat various human ailments. This review explores ability of WJ-MSCs to mitigate acute radiation syndrome caused by planned or unplanned radiation exposure. Recent Findings Recent reports suggest that WJ-MSCs home to damaged tissues in irradiated host and mitigate radiation induced damage to radiosensitive tissues such as hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. WJ-MSCs and conditioned media were found to protect mice from radiation induced mortality and also prevent radiation dermatitis. Local irradiation-induced lung toxicity in mice was significantly reduced by CXCR4 over-expressing WJ-MSCs. Summary Emerging evidences support safety and effectiveness of WJ-MSCs for treatment of acute radiation syndrome and lung injury after planned or accidental exposure. Additionally, conditioned media collected after culturing WJ-MSCs can also be used for mitigation of radiation dermatitis. Clinical translation of these findings would be possible after careful evaluation of resilience, effectiveness, and molecular mechanism of action of xenogeneic WJ-MSCs in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Bandekar
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085 India.,University of Mumbai, Kalina, Mumbai, 400098 India
| | - Dharmendra K Maurya
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085 India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094 India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085 India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094 India
| | - Santosh K Sandur
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085 India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094 India
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7
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Gul M, Hildorf S, Dong L, Thorup J, Hoffmann ER, Jensen CFS, Sønksen J, Cortes D, Fedder J, Andersen CY, Goossens E. Review of injection techniques for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:368-391. [PMID: 32163572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prognosis of childhood cancer survivors has increased dramatically during recent years, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer and other conditions may lead to permanent infertility in prepubertal boys. Recent developments have shown that spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation may be a hope for restoring fertility in adult survivors of childhood cancers. For this reason, several centres around the world are collecting and cryopreserving testicular tissue or cells anticipating that, in the near future, some patients will return for SSC transplantation. This review summarizes the current knowledge and utility of SSC transplantation techniques. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the currently used experimental injection techniques for SSC transplantation in animal and human testes. This is crucial in understanding and determining the role of the different techniques necessary for successful transplantation. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed publications on this topic was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search was limited to English language work and studies between 1994 (from the first study on SSC transplantation) and April 2019. Key search terms included mouse, rat, boar, ram, dog, sheep, goat, cattle, monkey, human, cadaver, testes, SSC transplantation, injection and technique. OUTCOMES This review provides an extensive clinical overview of the current research in the field of human SSC transplantation. Rete testis injection with ultrasonography guidance currently seems the most promising injection technique thus far; however, the ability to draw clear conclusions is limited due to long ischemia time of cadaver testis, the relatively decreased volume of the testis, the diminishing size of seminiferous tubules, a lack of intratesticular pressure and leakage into the interstitium during the injection on human cadaver testis. Current evidence does not support improved outcomes from multiple infusions through the rete testes. Overall, further optimization is required to increase the efficiency and safety of the infusion method. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Identifying a favourable injection method for SSC transplantation will provide insight into the mechanisms of successful assisted human reproduction. Future research could focus on reducing leakage and establishing the optimal infusion cell concentrations and pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, 42250 Konya, Turkey
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Sønksen
- Department of Urology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, 2930 Herlev, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology & Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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8
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Liu HC, Xie Y, Deng CH, Liu GH. Stem cell-based therapies for fertility preservation in males: Current status and future prospects. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:1097-1112. [PMID: 33178394 PMCID: PMC7596443 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i10.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the decline in male fertility in recent years, strategies for male fertility preservation have received increasing attention. In this study, by reviewing current treatments and recent publications, we describe research progress in and the future directions of stem cell-based therapies for male fertility preservation, focusing on the use of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), SSC niches, SSC-based testicular organoids, other stem cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells, and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, a more comprehensive understanding of the germ cell microenvironment, stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, and testicular organoids will play an important role in achieving male fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Chao Liu
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Hua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gui-Hua Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
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9
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Zhou S, Feng S, Qin W, Wang X, Tang Y, Yuan S. Epigenetic Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Homeostasis: From DNA Methylation to Histone Modification. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:562-580. [PMID: 32939648 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the ultimate germline stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation, and a dynamic balance of SSCs play an essential role in spermatogenesis. During the gene expression process, genomic DNA and nuclear protein, working together, contribute to SSC homeostasis. Recently, emerging studies have shown that epigenome-related molecules such as chromatin modifiers play an important role in SSC homeostasis through regulating target gene expression. Here, we focus on two types of epigenetic events, including DNA methylation and histone modification, and summarize their function in SSC homeostasis. Understanding the molecular mechanism during SSC homeostasis will promote the recognition of epigenetic biomarkers in male infertility, and bring light into therapies of infertile patients.Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China. .,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
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10
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Zhang PY, Fan Y, Tan T, Yu Y. Generation of Artificial Gamete and Embryo From Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:781. [PMID: 32793569 PMCID: PMC7387433 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the great growing need for assisted reproduction technologies (ART), additional solutions for patients without functional gametes are strongly needed. Due to ethical restrictions, limited studies can be performed on human gametes and embryos; however, artificial gametes and embryos represent a new hope for clinical application and basic research in the field of reproductive medicine. Here, we provide a review of the research progress and possible application of artificial gametes and embryos from different species, including mice, monkeys and humans. Gametes specification from adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as well as propagation of stem cells from the reproductive system and from organized embryos, which are similar to blastocysts, have been realized in some nonhuman mammals, but not all achievements can be replicated in humans. This area of research remains noteworthy and requires further study and effort to achieve the reconstitution of the entire cycle of gametogenesis and embryo development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Yao Zhang
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Tan
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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11
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Abstract
Infertility caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatments negatively impacts patient-survivor quality of life. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys who are not making sperm is cryopreservation of testicular tissues that contain spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) with potential to produce sperm and/or restore fertility. SSC transplantation to regenerate spermatogenesis in infertile adult survivors of childhood cancers is a mature technology. However, the number of SSCs obtained in a biopsy of a prepubertal testis may be small. Therefore, methods to expand SSC numbers in culture before transplantation are needed. Here we review progress with human SSC culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin David
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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12
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Xie X, Nóbrega R, Pšenička M. Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Fish: Characterization, Isolation, Enrichment, and Recent Advances of In Vitro Culture Systems. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E644. [PMID: 32331205 PMCID: PMC7226347 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a continuous and dynamic developmental process, in which a single diploid spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferates and differentiates to form a mature spermatozoon. Herein, we summarize the accumulated knowledge of SSCs and their distribution in the testes of teleosts. We also reviewed the primary endocrine and paracrine influence on spermatogonium self-renewal vs. differentiation in fish. To provide insight into techniques and research related to SSCs, we review available protocols and advances in enriching undifferentiated spermatogonia based on their unique physiochemical and biochemical properties, such as size, density, and differential expression of specific surface markers. We summarize in vitro germ cell culture conditions developed to maintain proliferation and survival of spermatogonia in selected fish species. In traditional culture systems, sera and feeder cells were considered to be essential for SSC self-renewal, in contrast to recently developed systems with well-defined media and growth factors to induce either SSC self-renewal or differentiation in long-term cultures. The establishment of a germ cell culture contributes to efficient SSC propagation in rare, endangered, or commercially cultured fish species for use in biotechnological manipulation, such as cryopreservation and transplantation. Finally, we discuss organ culture and three-dimensional models for in vitro investigation of fish spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
| | - Rafael Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP 18618-970, Brazil;
| | - Martin Pšenička
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
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13
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Ibtisham F, Honaramooz A. Spermatogonial Stem Cells for In Vitro Spermatogenesis and In Vivo Restoration of Fertility. Cells 2020; 9:E745. [PMID: 32197440 PMCID: PMC7140722 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only adult stem cells capable of passing genes onto the next generation. SSCs also have the potential to provide important knowledge about stem cells in general and to offer critical in vitro and in vivo applications in assisted reproductive technologies. After century-long research, proof-of-principle culture systems have been introduced to support the in vitro differentiation of SSCs from rodent models into haploid male germ cells. Despite recent progress in organotypic testicular tissue culture and two-dimensional or three-dimensional cell culture systems, to achieve complete in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) using non-rodent species remains challenging. Successful in vitro production of human haploid male germ cells will foster hopes of preserving the fertility potential of prepubertal cancer patients who frequently face infertility due to the gonadotoxic side-effects of cancer treatment. Moreover, the development of optimal systems for IVS would allow designing experiments that are otherwise difficult or impossible to be performed directly in vivo, such as genetic manipulation of germ cells or correction of genetic disorders. This review outlines the recent progress in the use of SSCs for IVS and potential in vivo applications for the restoration of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada;
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14
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Murdock MH, David S, Swinehart IT, Reing JE, Tran K, Gassei K, Orwig KE, Badylak SF. Human Testis Extracellular Matrix Enhances Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell Survival In Vitro. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:663-676. [PMID: 30311859 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This study developed and characterized human testis extracellular matrix (htECM) and porcine testis ECM (ptECM) for testing in human spermatogonial stem cell (hSSC) culture. Results confirmed the hypothesis that ECM from the homologous species (human) and homologous tissue (testis) is optimal for maintaining hSSCs. We describe a simplified feeder-free, serum-free condition for future iterative testing to achieve the long-term goal of stable hSSC cultures. To facilitate analysis and understand the fate of hSSCs in culture, we describe a multiparameter, high-throughput, quantitative flow cytometry approach to rapidly count undifferentiated spermatogonia, differentiated spermatogonia, apoptotic spermatogonia, and proliferative spermatogonia in hSSC cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H Murdock
- 1 McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sherin David
- 2 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ilea T Swinehart
- 1 McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Janet E Reing
- 1 McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kien Tran
- 2 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathrin Gassei
- 2 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- 2 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephen F Badylak
- 1 McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 3 Department of Surgery, and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 4 Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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15
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Dong L, Gul M, Hildorf S, Pors SE, Kristensen SG, Hoffmann ER, Cortes D, Thorup J, Andersen CY. Xeno-Free Propagation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells from Infant Boys. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215390. [PMID: 31671863 PMCID: PMC6862004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation therapy is a promising strategy to renew spermatogenesis for prepubertal boys whose fertility is compromised. However, propagation of SSCs is required due to a limited number of SSCs in cryopreserved testicular tissue. This propagation must be done under xeno-free conditions for clinical application. SSCs were propagated from infant testicular tissue (7 mg and 10 mg) from two boys under xeno-free conditions using human platelet lysate and nutrient source. We verified SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immune-reaction assay using the SSC markers undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCHL1), GDNF receptor alpha-1 (GFRα-1) Fα and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). The functionality of the propagated SSCs was investigated by pre-labelling using green fluorescent Cell Linker PKH67 and xeno-transplantation of the SSCLCs into busulfan-treated, therefore sterile, immunodeficient mice. SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) appeared after 2 weeks in primary passage. The SSCLCs were SSC-like as the UTF1, UCHL1, GFRα1 and PLZF were all positive. After 2.5 months’ culture period, a total of 13 million cells from one sample were harvested for xenotransplantation. Labelled human propagated SSCs were identified and verified in mouse seminiferous tubules at 3–6 weeks, confirming that the transplanted cells contain SSCLCs. The present xeno-free clinical culture protocol allows propagation of SSCs from infant boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Urology, Aksaray University School of Medicine, Aksaray 68100, Turkey.
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Pediatrics, Hvidovre, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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16
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Vermeulen M, Giudice MG, Del Vento F, Wyns C. Role of stem cells in fertility preservation: current insights. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2019; 12:27-48. [PMID: 31496751 PMCID: PMC6689135 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s178490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While improvements made in the field of cancer therapy allow high survival rates, gonadotoxicity of chemo- and radiotherapy can lead to infertility in male and female pre- and postpubertal patients. Clinical options to preserve fertility before starting gonadotoxic therapies by cryopreserving sperm or oocytes for future use with assisted reproductive technology (ART) are now applied worldwide. Cryopreservation of pre- and postpubertal ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles, though still considered experimental, has already led to the birth of healthy babies after autotransplantation and is performed in an increasing number of centers. For prepubertal boys who do not produce gametes ready for fertilization, cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) containing spermatogonial stem cells may be proposed as an experimental strategy with the aim of restoring fertility. Based on achievements in nonhuman primates, autotransplantation of ITT or testicular cell suspensions appears promising to restore fertility of young cancer survivors. So far, whether in two- or three-dimensional culture systems, in vitro maturation of immature male and female gonadal cells or tissue has not demonstrated a capacity to produce safe gametes for ART. Recently, primordial germ cells have been generated from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, but further investigations regarding efficiency and safety are needed. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells to improve the vascularization of gonadal tissue grafts, increase the colonization of transplanted cells, and restore the damaged somatic compartment could overcome the current limitations encountered with transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vermeulen
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Maria-Grazia Giudice
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Federico Del Vento
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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17
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Kubota H, Brinster RL. Spermatogonial stem cells. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:52-74. [PMID: 29617903 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the most primitive spermatogonia in the testis and have an essential role to maintain highly productive spermatogenesis by self-renewal and continuous generation of daughter spermatogonia that differentiate into spermatozoa, transmitting genetic information to the next generation. Since the 1950s, many experimental methods, including histology, immunostaining, whole-mount analyses, and pulse-chase labeling, had been used in attempts to identify SSCs, but without success. In 1994, a spermatogonial transplantation method was reported that established a quantitative functional assay to identify SSCs by evaluating their ability to both self-renew and differentiate to spermatozoa. The system was originally developed using mice and subsequently extended to nonrodents, including domestic animals and humans. Availability of the functional assay for SSCs has made it possible to develop culture systems for their ex vivo expansion, which dramatically advanced germ cell biology and allowed medical and agricultural applications. In coming years, SSCs will be increasingly used to understand their regulation, as well as in germline modification, including gene correction, enhancement of male fertility, and conversion of somatic cells to biologically competent male germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ralph L Brinster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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18
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Testicular endothelial cells are a critical population in the germline stem cell niche. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4379. [PMID: 30348976 PMCID: PMC6197186 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of adult tissues depends on stem cell self-renewal in local niches. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) are germline adult stem cells necessary for spermatogenesis and fertility. We show that testicular endothelial cells (TECs) are part of the SSC niche producing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and other factors to support human and mouse SSCs in long-term culture. We demonstrate that FGF-2 binding to FGFR1 on TECs activates the calcineurin pathway to produce GDNF. Comparison of the TEC secretome to lung and liver endothelial cells identified 5 factors sufficient for long-term maintenance of human and mouse SSC colonies in feeder-free cultures. Male cancer survivors after chemotherapy are often infertile since SSCs are highly susceptible to cytotoxic injury. Transplantation of TECs alone restores spermatogenesis in mice after chemotherapy-induced depletion of SSCs. Identifying TECs as a niche population necessary for SSC self-renewal may facilitate fertility preservation for prepubertal boys diagnosed with cancer. Self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) is necessary for spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here the authors identify testicular endothelial cells (TECs) as a source of 5 key growth factors for self-renewal and expansion of human and mouse SSCs.
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19
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Mahapatra S, Martin D, Gallicano GI. Re-Defining Stem Cell-Cardiomyocyte Interactions: Focusing on the Paracrine Effector Approach. J Stem Cells Regen Med 2018. [PMID: 30018469 PMCID: PMC6043659 DOI: 10.46582/jsrm.1401003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell research for treating or curing ischemic heart disease has, till date, culminated in three basic approaches: the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology; reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts; and cardiovascular progenitor cell regeneration. As each approach has been shown to have its advantages and disadvantages, exploiting the advantages while minimizing the disadvantages has been a challenge. Using human germline pluripotent stem cells (hgPSCs) along with a modified version of a relatively novel cell-expansion culture methodology to induce quick, indefinite expansion of normally slow growing hgPSCs, it was possible to emphasize the advantages of all three approaches. We consistently found that unipotent germline stem cells, when removed from their niche and cultured in the correct medium, expressed endogenously, pluripotency genes, which induced them to become hgPSCs. These cells are then capable of producing cell types from all three germ layers. Upon differentiation into cardiac lineages, our data consistently showed that they not only expressed cardiac genes, but also expressed cardiac-promoting paracrine factors. Taking these data a step further, we found that hgPSC-derived cardiac cells could integrate into cardiac tissue in vivo. Note, while the work presented here was based on testes-derived hgPSCs, data from other laboratories have shown that ovaries contain very similar types of stem cells that can give rise to hgPSCs. As a result, hgPSCs should be considered a viable option for eventual use in patients, male or female, with ischemic heart disease
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Mahapatra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dianna Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, USA
| | - G Ian Gallicano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, USA
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20
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Kim HR, Lee J, Byeon JS, Gu NY, Lee J, Cho IS, Cha SH. Extensive characterization of feline intra-abdominal adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. J Vet Sci 2018; 18:299-306. [PMID: 27456770 PMCID: PMC5639082 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2017.18.3.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from various tissues have been well characterized for therapeutic application to clinical diseases. However, in contrast to MSCs from other animal species, the characteristics of feline MSCs have not been fully documented. In this study, we conducted extensive characterization of feline adipose tissue-derived MSCs (fAD-MSCs). Study fAD-MSCs were individually isolated from the intra-abdominal adipose tissues of six felines. The expression levels of cell surface markers and pluripotent markers were evaluated. Next, proliferation capacity was analyzed by performing cumulative population doubling level (CPDL) and doubling time (DT) calculation assays. Differentiation potentials of fAD-MSCs into mesodermal cell lineages were analyzed by examining specific staining and molecular markers. All fAD-MSCs positively expressed cell surface markers such as CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, CD166, and MHC-I, while CD14, CD34, CD45, and CD73 were negatively expressed. The CPDL of the fAD-MSCs was maintained until passage 5 to 6 (P5 to P6), whereas DT increased after P3 to P4. Also, stem cell-specific pluripotent markers (Oct3/4, Nanog, and SSEA-4) were detected. Importantly, all fAD-MSCs demonstrated mesodermal differentiation capacity. These results suggest that fully characterized fAD-MSCs could be beneficial when considering the use of these cells in feline disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ryang Kim
- Viral Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Jienny Lee
- Viral Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Jeong Su Byeon
- Viral Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Na-Yeon Gu
- Viral Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Jiyun Lee
- Kangnam Animal Hospital, Pyeongtaek 17982, Korea
| | - In-Soo Cho
- Viral Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Cha
- Viral Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
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21
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González R, Dobrinski I. Beyond the mouse monopoly: studying the male germ line in domestic animal models. ILAR J 2016; 56:83-98. [PMID: 25991701 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilv004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of spermatogenesis and essential to maintain the continuous production of spermatozoa after the onset of puberty in the male. The study of the male germ line is important for understanding the process of spermatogenesis, unravelling mechanisms of stemness maintenance, cell differentiation, and cell-to-cell interactions. The transplantation of SSCs can contribute to the preservation of the genome of valuable individuals in assisted reproduction programs. In addition to the importance of SSCs for male fertility, their study has recently stimulated interest in the generation of genetically modified animals because manipulations of the male germ line at the SSC stage will be maintained in the long term and transmitted to the offspring. Studies performed mainly in the mouse model have laid the groundwork for facilitating advancements in the field of male germ line biology, but more progress is needed in nonrodent species in order to translate the technology to the agricultural and biomedical fields. The lack of reliable markers for isolating germ cells from testicular somatic cells and the lack of knowledge of the requirements for germ cell maintenance have precluded their long-term maintenance in domestic animals. Nevertheless, some progress has been made. In this review, we will focus on the state of the art in the isolation, characterization, culture, and manipulation of SSCs and the use of germ cell transplantation in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- Raquel González, DVM, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada. Ina Dobrinski, DVM, MVSc, PhD, Dipl ACT, is a professor and the head of the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Raquel González, DVM, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada. Ina Dobrinski, DVM, MVSc, PhD, Dipl ACT, is a professor and the head of the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
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22
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Vitrified canine testicular cells allow the formation of spermatogonial stem cells and seminiferous tubules following their xenotransplantation into nude mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21919. [PMID: 26907750 PMCID: PMC4764824 DOI: 10.1038/srep21919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Belgian Malinois (BM), one of the excellent military dog breeds in South Korea, is usually castrated before sexual maturation. Therefore, the transfer of their genetic features to the next generation is difficult. To overcome this, testicular cells from 4-month-old BMs were frozen. Testicular cells were thawed after 3 months and cultured in StemPro-34 medium. Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) characteristics were determined by the transplantation of the cultured germ cell-derived colonies (GDCs) into empty testes, containing only several endogenous SSCs and Sertoli cells, of immunodeficient mice, 4 weeks after busulfan treatment. Following the implantation, the transplanted cells localized in the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules, and ultimately colonized the recipient testes. Xenotransplantation of GDCs together with testicular somatic cells conjugated with extracellular matrix (ECM), led to the formation of de novo seminiferous tubules. These seminiferous tubules were mostly composed of Sertoli cells. Some germ cells were localized in the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. This study revealed that BM-derived SSCs, obtained from the castrated testes, might be a valuable tool for the transfer of BM genetic features to the next generation.
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23
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Subculture of Germ Cell-Derived Colonies with GATA4-Positive Feeder Cells from Neonatal Pig Testes. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:6029271. [PMID: 26880974 PMCID: PMC4736562 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6029271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Enrichment of spermatogonial stem cells is important for studying their self-renewal and differentiation. Although germ cell-derived colonies (GDCs) have been successfully cultured from neonatal pig testicular cells under 31°C conditions, the short period of in vitro maintenance (<2 months) limited their application to further investigations. To develop a culture method that allows for in vitro maintenance of GDCs for long periods, we subcultured the GDCs with freshly prepared somatic cells from neonatal pig testes as feeder cells. The subcultured GDCs were maintained up to passage 13 with the fresh feeder cells (FFCs) and then frozen. Eight months later, the frozen GDCs could again form the colonies on FFCs as shown in passages 1 to 13. Immunocytochemistry data revealed that the FFCs expressed GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4), which is also detected in the cells of neonatal testes and total testicular cells, and that the expression of GATA4 was decreased in used old feeder cells. The subcultured GDCs in each passage had germ and stem cell characteristics, and flow cytometric analyses revealed that ~60% of these cells were GFRα-1 positive. In conclusion, neonatal pig testes-derived GDCs can be maintained for long periods with GATA4-expressing testicular somatic cells.
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Gassei K, Orwig KE. Experimental methods to preserve male fertility and treat male factor infertility. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:256-66. [PMID: 26746133 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a prevalent condition that has insidious impacts on the infertile individuals, their families, and society, which extend far beyond the inability to have a biological child. Lifestyle changes, fertility treatments, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) are available to help many infertile couples achieve their reproductive goals. All of these technologies require that the infertile individual is able to produce at least a small number of functional gametes (eggs or sperm). It is not possible for a person who does not produce gametes to have a biological child. This review focuses on the infertile man and describes several stem cell-based methods and gene therapy approaches that are in the research pipeline and may lead to new fertility treatment options for men with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gassei
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Shang M, Su B, Lipke EA, Perera DA, Li C, Qin Z, Li Y, Dunn DA, Cek S, Peatman E, Dunham RA. Spermatogonial stem cells specific marker identification in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus and blue catfish, I. furcatus. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2015; 41:1545-1556. [PMID: 26251285 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0106-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cells of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and blue catfish, I. furcatus were separated into four layers with Percoll density gradient centrifugation, containing different cell types (40% in the first layer were spermatogonial stem cells, SSCs). Expression of seventeen genes was analyzed for cells from different layers by real-time quantitative PCR. Pfkfb4, Urod, Plzf, Integrin6, IntegrinV, Thy1 and Cdh1 genes showed the same expression change pattern in both channel and blue catfish as these genes were down-regulated in the spermatocytes and even more so in spermatids. Plzf and Integrin6 had especially high expression in SSCs and can be used as SSCs specific markers. Sox2 gene was up-regulated in spermatocytes and even more highly up-regulated in spermatids, which indicated it could be a spermatid marker. In contrast to channel catfish, Id4, Smad5 and Prdm14 gene expressions were strongly down-regulated in spermatocyte cells, but up-regulated in spermatid cells in blue catfish. Smad5 gene was down-regulated in spermatocytes, but up-regulated in both spermatogonia and spermatids, allowing identification as a marker for spermatocytes in blue catfish. Oct4, Id4, Gfrα2, Pum2 and Prdm14 genes showed different expression patterns in the testicular germ cells of channel and blue catfish. This may be a partial explanation to the differing responses of channel catfish and blue catfish to induced spawning technologies. The SSCs specific markers can be used for further SSCs labeling, which can increase the SSCs sorting efficiency and be applied in various studies involving SSCs and other germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Shang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Genetic Breeding, Heilongjiang Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Harbin, 150070, China.
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Genetic Breeding, Heilongjiang Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Harbin, 150070, China
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Dayan A Perera
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute, West Virginia State University, Institute, WV, 25112, USA
| | - Chao Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Zhenkui Qin
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Yun Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - David A Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY, 13126-3599, USA
| | - Sehriban Cek
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Mustafa Kemal University, 31200, İskenderun, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Eric Peatman
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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Tiptanavattana N, Techakumphu M, Tharasanit T. Simplified isolation and enrichment of spermatogonial stem-like cells from pubertal domestic cats (Felis catus). J Vet Med Sci 2015; 77:1347-53. [PMID: 26074411 PMCID: PMC4667649 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.15-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) isolation and culture from pubertal
donors is currently poor primarily, because of contamination with other testicular cells.
This study aimed to purify SSC-like cells using different extracellular matrixes and a
discontinuous gradient density. In experiment 1, testes (n=6) were analyzed for histology
and SSC-related protein expressions (laminin, SSEA-4, DDX-4 and GFRα-1). After enzymatic
digestion, the cell suspension was plated onto either a laminin- or gelatin-coated dish.
The number of SSC-like cells was determined at 15, 30 and 60 min of culture (experiment
2). Experiment 3 was performed to test whether or not the additional step of Percoll
gradient density centrifugation could really improve purification of SSC-like cells.
Testicular histology revealed complete spermatogenesis with laminin expression essentially
at the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubules. SSEA-4 and GFRα-1 co-localized with DDX-4
in the spermatogonia. The relative percentage of SSC-like cells, as determined by cells
expressing SSEA-4 (59.42 ± 2.18%) and GFRα-1 (42.70 ± 1.28%), revealed that the highest
SSC-like cell purity was obtained with the 15-min laminin-coated dish compared with other
incubation times and gelatin treatment (P<0.05). Percoll treatment
prior to laminin selection (15 min) significantly improved SSC-like cell recovery (91.33 ±
0.14%, P<0.001) and purity (83.82 ± 2.05% for SSEA-4 and 64.39 ± 1.51%
for GFRα-1, P<0.05). These attached cells demonstrated a typical
SSC-like cell morphology and also expressed POU5F1, RET
and ZBTB16 mRNA. In conclusion, double enrichment with Percoll gradient
density centrifugation and laminin plating highly enriched the SSC-like cells
population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narong Tiptanavattana
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Aponte PM. Spermatogonial stem cells: Current biotechnological advances in reproduction and regenerative medicine. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:669-680. [PMID: 26029339 PMCID: PMC4444608 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i4.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the germ stem cells of the seminiferous epithelium in the testis. Through the process of spermatogenesis, they produce sperm while concomitantly keeping their cellular pool constant through self-renewal. SSC biology offers important applications for animal reproduction and overcoming human disease through regenerative therapies. To this end, several techniques involving SSCs have been developed and will be covered in this article. SSCs convey genetic information to the next generation, a property that can be exploited for gene targeting. Additionally, SSCs can be induced to become embryonic stem cell-like pluripotent cells in vitro. Updates on SSC transplantation techniques with related applications, such as fertility restoration and preservation of endangered species, are also covered on this article. SSC suspensions can be transplanted to the testis of an animal and this has given the basis for SSC functional assays. This procedure has proven technically demanding in large animals and men. In parallel, testis tissue xenografting, another transplantation technique, was developed and resulted in sperm production in testis explants grafted into ectopical locations in foreign species. Since SSC culture holds a pivotal role in SSC biotechnologies, current advances are overviewed. Finally, spermatogenesis in vitro, already demonstrated in mice, offers great promises to cope with reproductive issues in the farm animal industry and human clinical applications.
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Zheng Y, Thomas A, Schmidt CM, Dann CT. Quantitative detection of human spermatogonia for optimization of spermatogonial stem cell culture. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2497-511. [PMID: 25267789 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can human spermatogonia be detected in long-term primary testicular cell cultures using validated, germ cell-specific markers of spermatogonia? SUMMARY ANSWER Germ cell-specific markers of spermatogonia/spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are detected in early (1-2 weeks) but not late (> 6 weeks) primary testicular cell cultures; somatic cell markers are detected in late primary testicular cell cultures. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The development of conditions for human SSC culture is critically dependent on the ability to define cell types unequivocally and to quantify spermatogonia/SSCs. Growth by somatic cells presents a major challenge in the establishment of SSC cultures and therefore markers that define spermatogonia/SSCs, but are not also expressed by testicular somatic cells, are essential for accurate characterization of SSC cultures. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Testicular tissue from eight organ donors with normal spermatogenesis was used for assay validation and establishing primary testicular cell cultures. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Immunofluorescence analysis of normal human testicular tissue was used to validate antibodies (UTF1, SALL4, DAZL and VIM) and then the antibodies were used to demonstrate that primary testicular cells cultured in vitro for 1-2 weeks were composed of somatic cells and rare germ cells. Primary testicular cell cultures were further characterized by comparing to testicular somatic cell cultures using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (UTF1, FGFR3, ZBTB16, GPR125, DAZL, GATA4 and VIM) and flow cytometry (CD9 and SSEA4). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE UTF1, FGFR3, DAZL and ZBTB16 qRT-PCR and SSEA4 flow cytometry were validated for the sensitive, quantitative and specific detection of germ cells. In contrast, GPR125 mRNA and CD9 were found to be not specific to germ cells because they were also expressed in testicular somatic cell cultures. While the germ cell-specific markers were detected in early primary testicular cell cultures (1-2 weeks), their expression steadily declined over time in vitro. After 6 weeks in culture only somatic cells were detected. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Different groups attempting SSC culture have utilized different sources of human testes and minor differences in the preparation and maintenance of the testicular cell cultures. Differences in outcome may be explained by genetic background of the source tissue or technical differences. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The ability to propagate human SSCs in vitro is a prerequisite for proposed autologous transplantation therapy aimed at restoring fertility to men who have been treated for childhood cancer. By applying the assays validated here it will be possible to quantitatively compare human SSC culture conditions. The eventual development of conditions for long-term propagation of human SSCs in vitro will greatly facilitate learning about the basic biology of these cells and in turn the ability to use human SSCs in therapy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The experiments presented in this manuscript were funded by a Project Development Team within the ICTSI NIH/NCRR Grant Number TR000006. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zheng
- Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - A Thomas
- Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - C M Schmidt
- Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - C T Dann
- Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
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Valli H, Sukhwani M, Dovey SL, Peters KA, Donohue J, Castro CA, Chu T, Marshall GR, Orwig KE. Fluorescence- and magnetic-activated cell sorting strategies to isolate and enrich human spermatogonial stem cells. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:566-580.e7. [PMID: 24890267 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the molecular characteristics of human spermatogonia and optimize methods to enrich spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). DESIGN Laboratory study using human tissues. SETTING Research institute. PATIENT(S) Healthy adult human testicular tissue. INTERVENTION(S) Human testicular tissue was fixed or digested with enzymes to produce a cell suspension. Human testis cells were fractionated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunostaining for selected markers, human-to-nude mouse xenotransplantation assay. RESULT(S) Immunohistochemistry costaining revealed the relative expression patterns of SALL4, UTF1, ZBTB16, UCHL1, and ENO2 in human undifferentiated spermatogonia as well as the extent of overlap with the differentiation marker KIT. Whole mount analyses revealed that human undifferentiated spermatogonia (UCHL1+) were typically arranged in clones of one to four cells whereas differentiated spermatogonia (KIT+) were typically arranged in clones of eight or more cells. The ratio of undifferentiated-to-differentiated spermatogonia is greater in humans than in rodents. The SSC colonizing activity was enriched in the THY1dim and ITGA6+ fractions of human testes sorted by FACS. ITGA6 was effective for sorting human SSCs by MACS; THY1 and EPCAM were not. CONCLUSION(S) Human spermatogonial differentiation correlates with increased clone size and onset of KIT expression, similar to rodents. The undifferentiated-to-differentiated developmental dynamics in human spermatogonia is different than rodents. THY1, ITGA6, and EPCAM can be used to enrich human SSC colonizing activity by FACS, but only ITGA6 is amenable to high throughput sorting by MACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Valli
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Serena L Dovey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen A Peters
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia Donohue
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carlos A Castro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary R Marshall
- Department of Natural Sciences, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Valli H, Phillips BT, Shetty G, Byrne JA, Clark AT, Meistrich ML, Orwig KE. Germline stem cells: toward the regeneration of spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2013; 101:3-13. [PMID: 24314923 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Improved therapies for cancer and other conditions have resulted in a growing population of long-term survivors. Infertility is an unfortunate side effect of some cancer therapies that impacts the quality of life of survivors who are in their reproductive or prereproductive years. Some of these patients have the opportunity to preserve their fertility using standard technologies that include sperm, egg, or embryo banking, followed by IVF and/or ET. However, these options are not available to all patients, especially the prepubertal patients who are not yet producing mature gametes. For these patients, there are several stem cell technologies in the research pipeline that may give rise to new fertility options and allow infertile patients to have their own biological children. We will review the role of stem cells in normal spermatogenesis as well as experimental stem cell-based techniques that may have potential to generate or regenerate spermatogenesis and sperm. We will present these technologies in the context of the fertility preservation paradigm, but we anticipate that they will have broad implications for the assisted reproduction field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Valli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bart T Phillips
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - James A Byrne
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, California; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amander T Clark
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marvin L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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